The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign countries, towns and locations. This includes two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is utterly essential Various airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be utilized for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight home.

Further details on going abroad and current government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Patrons are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

In conditions where the hotel and site are operational, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may lose out.

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are recommended to check the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial reimbursement in conditions where other means do not.

If patrons have planned travel to affected areas after a caution was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are recommended to check the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in some conditions, have changed cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed situations, and owing to the current condition, problems surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those travellers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any extra costs for stay and any food essential. For those customers who have taken a reimbursement, then the responsibility of concern terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice published in relation to a destination that the consumer selects to go to, and the traveller chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are urged to certify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a repayment due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been violated, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and advice.

Events and Entertainment

Cancelled events

If the tickets to an event such as a concert or sports event have been cancelled, and these have been reserved through an authorised booking site, then you ought to usually get a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory organisation and as such, require firms listed with them to refund the ticket’s face value price when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise the costs incurred for delivery.

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, the particular company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the company who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request refunds. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is unsuitable, then a refund can be requested via the original booking company.

As with cancelled events, this may not contain the fee incurred for booking fees or delivery.

Individual events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers deciding not to show up – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the larger cinema groups have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly charges will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Customers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but options may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to deliver the facility due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special events

Marriages and special functions could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is key.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not probable, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try and make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected during the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery firms have declared delays on non-essential goods in favour of shipping medical supplies and essential items. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the very first point of contact.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations listed below.

, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is available by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying merchandise from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the purpose explained to the trader

When requesting for replacement or repair in the first thirty days, then the consumer enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Customers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their goods and have passed the first 30 days after  purchase, might be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without causing considerable difficulty

If a repair or replacement isn’t possible then they might rather be allowed to:

• Keep the goods for a lower price
• Return back the goods for a repayment (complete reimbursement in six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must match the description given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during discussions over the phone call or personally

If the customer believes that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they might be eligible for;

• A full reimbursement if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and defect noted instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are really worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the items do not go with the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different guidelines about refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel which is not essential or have booked travel to a annulled event should contact the travel provider for additional info on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign land must return back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stuck with no means to get home.

The Government has adopted measures such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this may take time. In the meantime, they have made numerous recommendation about what those stuck abroad must do.

If someone suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the client is residing will give suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are normally revealed when somebody is suffering from coronavirus. This is listed at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms-and-what-to-do/

The embassy or consulate in the area where the UK citizen resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies#

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information on transport home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those people with travel insurance must contact their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel may even see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stranded should also keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel firms.

It is important to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those people stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary support

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their employer and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial assistance in certain circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical essentials, food and water.

If money runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can even offer financial assistance in some situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to take care for a family member back in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

They could ask family or friends to look after this person until they come back.

If no choice is available, the home local authority should be contacted for further advice and support.

If the trapped passenger has pressure regarding their employment or self-employment

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated on their condition.

If they are working, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while stuck abroad

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for 13 weeks while abroad.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments while in a foreign country can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or clicking:

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad